At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a dynamic engineering design team while delivering innovative projects.
- Company: Join a growing engineering consultancy that values individual influence and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative office environment with access to a gym and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping design processes and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering design with strong leadership and technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead and shape a growing engineering design team. This senior role will suit an engineer who enjoys leading people as much as solving technical problems. You will take ownership of the design function, guiding engineers, CAD technicians and graduates while ensuring high-quality, integrated designs are delivered safely, efficiently and to programme and budget. You will also play a key role in strengthening design capability - improving processes, introducing the right tools and helping develop the next generation of engineers. If you enjoy building strong teams, improving how things are done, and delivering technically excellent work, this could be the right next step.
As Design Manager, you will lead the delivery of multidisciplinary engineering design across projects while developing the capability of the team.
Key Responsibilities- Managing, mentoring and developing engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
- Building and growing the design team while maintaining a positive and collaborative team culture
- Leading the design process on multidisciplinary projects within regulated infrastructure sectors
- Ensuring design deliverables are safe, coordinated, compliant and technically robust
- Delivering design packages within agreed timescales and budgets
- Challenging and improving existing design processes and procedures
- Driving the adoption of appropriate design software, BIM and 3D modelling where beneficial
- Ensuring the team works in accordance with relevant standards, best practice and quality requirements
- Managing and recording design changes within project packages
- Supporting project teams with estimating design hours and resource planning
We are looking for someone with the experience and confidence to lead a design team while maintaining a strong technical understanding of engineering delivery.
Requirements- Essential
- Around 10+ years' experience in engineering design, ideally within a regulated sector such as:
- Water
- Rail
- Highways
- Bridges
- Oil & Gas
- Nuclear
- Degree or HND in an engineering discipline
- Strong IT and digital design capability
- Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and projects
- Proven ability to develop junior engineers and build team capability
- Desirable
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Experience working within the regulated water industry
- Chartered Engineer status, or actively working towards chartership
This is a growing engineering consultancy environment where people are not just a number. Teams are small enough for individuals to have real influence, but experienced enough to deliver complex projects for major infrastructure clients. This is an opportunity to shape a team, influence how design is delivered, and play a key role in the continued growth of the business.
Location & Working ArrangementsThe team is ideally based from an office in Manchester, and regular collaboration in person is encouraged where possible. However, hybrid or remote working arrangements can be considered for the right candidate. The office is located close to public transport links including bus and tram stops within a 5-minute walk, and a range of cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops nearby. The building also offers free access to a fully equipped gym, with showers, changing facilities, hairdryers, towels and toiletries provided, making it easy to fit exercise around the working day.
Benefits & DevelopmentFrom the moment you join, your wellbeing and career aspirations will be supported by:
- Company pension
- Professional membership and chartership mentoring and support for engineers working towards professional accreditation
- Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support career progression
- 23 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Additional annual leave after two years' service
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Regular CPD opportunities, including lunch-and-learn sessions with industry specialists
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free fruit in the office
- Monthly team brunches and quarterly social events
For contractors, engagements outside IR35 can also be offered.
Design Manager employer: Kintec Global Recruitment
Kintec Global Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving fields of water, hydrogen, and nuclear engineering. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for mentorship and professional growth, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement in the vibrant city of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Design Manager role you’re after at Kintec Global Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Kintec Global Recruitment a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Kintec Global Recruitment.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Design Manager at Kintec Global Recruitment, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Kintec Global Recruitment a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Kintec Global Recruitment specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kintec Global Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Kintec Global Recruitment, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Kintec Global Recruitment want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
